Ministers To Pregnant Teller's Shooter: Surrender To Us

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Some local ministers used a news conference Wednesday to plead with whoever shot a pregnant bank teller during a robbery the day before, urging him to call them so they can help him surrender to police.

The ministers and other community leaders, flanked by police and a deputy Indianapolis mayor, also urged anyone who knows the man who shot Katherin Shuffield on Tuesday to call police.

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Slideshow: Police Seek Shooter

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"It's not a matter of snitching. It's a matter of caring," said Aaron Williams, director of the group Peace in the Streets.

Police said a man shot Shuffield -- who is five months pregnant with twins -- in the lower abdomen Tuesday morning as he robbed the Huntington National Bank at 2030 N. Post Road. Shuffield was hospitalized in critical condition Wednesday, and she still is carrying the unborn children, her husband said in a statement released by hospital staff.

Officials said Tuesday that the twins were not struck by the bullet and were not believed to be in immediate danger.

At Wednesday afternoon's news conference outside the bank, the ministers invited the shooter or those who helped him get away to call ministers at the following numbers: 317-281-3035, 317-752-0602 or 317-281-1151.

One of the ministers said those involved should take the offer, arguing that they'll be caught one way or another, and that the ministers would help make a surrender to police smooth.

"We will bring you in and work with the police if you are afraid to turn yourself in to the law enforcement community," said the Rev. Charles Harrison, of the Barnes United Methodist Church. "But you must turn yourself in because you will be apprehended, because this is unacceptable in our community."

Indianapolis Police Chief Michael Spears endorsed the ministers' offer.

"Speaking to those involved ... just turn yourself in," Spears said. "We will work with the churches and the pastors to make certain this goes as smooth as possible, but a lot of that is in your hands."

Groups involved with the offer include Concerned Clergy and Ministers on the Move.

Police said anyone with information about the shooting should call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.

Police Continue Search

Police on Wednesday continued an intense search for whoever was involved in the shooting, with dispatchers broadcasting a description of the shooter to officers citywide every 30 minutes.

Though the gunman's face was covered, authorities developed a sketch of him based on witness descriptions and released it Tuesday night. Police also released pictures of two vehicles similar to the ones they're seeking in connection with the incident.

Police said the gunman entered the bank at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday while one customer and three employees were inside. Though no one resisted, the gunman went over the teller counter and shot Shuffield, police said.

After Shuffield was shot, witnesses told police, the robber grabbed cash from some drawers and fired a bullet at an empty chair before exiting the bank. A block to the west, at least one person saw him enter the passenger side of a gold, late-model Dodge Intrepid with dull, worn paint, police said.

The Intrepid sped away and a new, bright blue Honda Pilot SUV followed, the witness said, prompting police to wonder whether the SUV's occupants were linked to the robber. Information about how much money the robber took wasn't available.

Witnesses described the shooter as black, 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 215 pounds. He was wearing a blue stocking cap, a dark face covering, a gray jacket, blue jeans, and dark shoes with light-colored heels, witnesses told police. Police said he also wore sunglasses and teal surgical gloves and was carrying a 9 mm gun.

Descriptions of the Intrepid's driver and the Honda SUV's occupant or occupants weren't available.

The gloves were found not far from where he entered the Intrepid, authorities said.

About 150 local, state and federal officers searched for the robber Tuesday morning and afternoon. Officers and agents searched nearby neighborhoods and businesses.

Part Of Bank Reopens Wednesday

The bank's drive-though window was open for business Wednesday, though customers were not allowed in the lobby. Inside, a security guard kept a watchful eye, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

According to the victim's neighbors and friends, Shuffield had been trying for five years to get pregnant.

"I hope everything turns out OK for her because she's a really sweet person," one neighbor said.

Indianapolis police vowed to commit whatever resources and officers necessary to capture those responsible for the shooting.

"We're getting quite a few tips," Indianapolis police Detective Dennis May said. "A lot of people driving by the scene yesterday were kind of cheering the officers on. I think the public is really outraged at this whole situation."

A benefit fund for Shuffield was established. Donations can be made to:

Katherin Shuffield Benefit Fund
c/o Huntington Bank, Attn: Main Office Branch
45 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204